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Middlesex University backs proposed Saracens secondary school

29/01/2016

Middlesex University is supporting plans announced this week by Saracens rugby club to open a new secondary school in the London Borough of Barnet in September 2017.

In response to an urgent need for more secondary school places across the Borough of Barnet, in March 2016 the Saracens High School Free Trust will submit an application to the Department of Education to open a new free school.

As a member of the Trust – a group of individuals and organisations with a passion for education and a focus on the Barnet community – Middlesex University has supported this move, recognising the valuable opportunities a new secondary school will offer the Borough.

"The University shares a strong commitment with Saracens to our local communities and we recognise the pressing requirement for more secondary school places in the area," said Katie Bell, Middlesex University Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Chief Marketing Officer and a member of the Saracens High School Free School Trust Steering Group.

"At Middlesex University, students come first and we are pleased to offer expert educational insight and support for this exciting venture to ensure that pupils are at the centre of everything at Saracens High School.

"We are already working closely with Saracens to support education, sport, health and wellbeing in our local communities and hope to see Saracens High School pupils continue their education at Middlesex University in the not too distant future."

Sponsored by Saracens Chairman and Barnet resident Nigel Wray and Saracens Board Member Nick Leslau, The Saracens High School aims to provide the very best education for local children and young people, ensuring that every pupil fulfils their potential academically and excels personally.

The formal academic partner is Ashmole Academy, an Ofsted-rated 'Outstanding' secondary school in Barnet whose role will be to ensure that the very highest academic standards are set by a team of talented and committed teachers.

"Through the work of our own charity, the Saracens Sport Foundation, Saracens has demonstrated over 18 years that we are more than just a rugby club and we are committed to giving back to our community," said Saracens Community Director Gordon Banks.

"Probably the greatest gift you can give a young person is an outstanding education, and we look forward to working in collaboration with other schools in the proximity to deliver this for our local children.

"We have brought together a very talented group of people with vast experience within education and business to deliver an exciting vision for the Saracens High School, built on the foundations of exceptional academic achievement and supported by the development of life skills and character."

Although the location of the proposed secondary school has yet to be confirmed, it is likely to be in the Colindale area.

The Saracens High School Free School Trust is currently consulting with local parents and seeking support for the Saracens High School application.www.thesaracenshighschool.com